Previews

Shaun White Snowboarding

It's a game that seems to co-opt great elements from other titles and graft them into the experience. Like Burnout Paradise, SWS maps multiplayer options to a tap on the D-pad, which lets you set up your online matches, but still allows you to stay focused on snapping some records while you wait. It's also got a gallery that allows you to save 30 second replays and upload them for others to enjoy. From what we've seen, both of these elements seem like they could be solid implementations of sound mechanics, but, of course, we'll have to see them once Ubisoft lets the game out into the wild. One of our favorite level design choices is the warp point. By tapping down on the d-pad, then square, you can pick the exact point that you're at on the map as a return point when you wipe out too much or get to the bottom of the hill. It's also great for returning to challenges that you might've failed.

Shaun White Snowboarding is tougher than it looks. It's a lot less like an SSX or Tony Hawk-style sports title and much more like skate, in the sense that it might not seem immediately accessible. It's also as gorgeous as it is brutal. Ubisoft Montreal's done a great job rendering locales that are quite pleasing to the eye. From the snowy peaks of the mountaintop down to the bottom of the slope, it's a gorgeous ride. We're also intrigued by the online modes; beyond the number of multiplayer participants and modes, we like the Burnout Paradise-style D-pad mapping, which is a sound design decision. Warp points also take a lot of frustration out of climbing up and down the mountain if you fail a challenge. Overall, we're interested to check out the entire package when it releases in a little under a month.